10 Things You Cant Miss on Your Visit to Glacier National Park
Explore Glacier’s hidden gems and scenic views with this mini guide. Featuring 10 things you can’t miss on your visit to Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park, known as the Crown of the Continent, gathers millions of visitors each year to marvel at the glacial carved mountains & valleys, vibrant wildflowers, scenic drives, thriving wildlife, and pristine blue waters.
The park preserves 1 million acres of Montana nature and offers incredible hiking trails, scenic boat rides, epic night sky viewing, and endless mountain views.
You could easily spend weeks in Glacier and not scratch the surface, however, if you have one day or a few days to spare Glacier National Park is a place you must visit.
See our Complete Guide to Glacier National Park for details on the parks reservation system, entrance fees, amenities, pet policy, & more.
#1. RENT A BOAT & EXPLORE THE LAKES OF GLACIER
Glacier National Park is home to numerous crystal clear blue lakes which make getting out on the water a popular way to tour this park. All boating rentals and adventures available in Glacier are run by Glacier Park Boat Company and include kayak, paddle board, canoe, & power boat rentals, as well as, scenic cruises.
Rentals are available from the end of May to mid September in the Apgar Village, Lake McDonald Lodge, Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Rising Sun. You can also launch your own water craft with a proper inspection and life jackets. And to make it even better, dogs are allowed!
We decided last minute to rent a power boat from the Apgar Village and it was one of our favorite things we did while in Glacier.
For more information on boating in Glacier National Park, visit the park website.
#2. EXPLORE CLEAR BLUE WATER AT AVALANCHE LAKE
Avalanche Lake is one of Glaciers most popular family friendly hikes and features views of glacial fed waterfalls into clear blue avalanche lake. This fairly moderate trail is 6 miles out and back and is a great hike to do any time of day because the path is mostly covered by trees.
Once you reach the lake you can continue to follow the boardwalk around to the other side of the lake and see where the snow melt enters the glacial blue water. We recommend doing this hike later in the day because parking can be hard to get the first half of the day.
#3. TOUR TRAIL OF THE CEDARS
Take a scenic walk through towering Cedar, Hemlock, and Cottonwood trees on this short paved 1 mile board walk loop trail located on the west side of the park. Trail of the Cedars features a stunning beautiful slot canyon type waterfall, moss covered rocks, and can be easily combined with the Avalanche Lake trail.
#4. HIKE TO HIDDEN LAKE
Stop by the Logan Pass Visitor Center and take a moderate 2.5 mile hike to Hidden Lake Overlook. This trail features 360 degree views of breathtaking glacial covered mountains, fields of colorful wildflowers, and is a great opportunity to spot some wildlife. We saw a mama and baby mountain goat while on the trail!
Parking up here can be a challenge with spots consistently filled most of the day. You might consider taking the shuttle, offered free of charge by Glacier National Park, if you don’t want to risk not getting a parking spot. There is a trail that goes down to the lake but it is often closed if there is a lot of wildlife activity in the area.
#5. TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM MANY GLACIER
Many Glacier, although far from Glaciers popular attractions, offers some of the best views in the entire park. Located on the east side of the park, about a 2.5 hour drive from West Glacier, and features the historic Many Glacier Hotel, challenging hiking trails, camping, and scenic cruises.
Several popular hikes start in Many Glacier, such as, Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, Cracker Lake, Grinnell Glacier, Iceberg Lake, and Apikuni Falls. If you can make it out to Many Glacier you won’t regret it.
#6. DRIVE THE GOING TO THE SUN ROAD
If you only have one day in Glacier, then you must drive the Going to the Sun Road. This 50 mile scenic drive winds up and around towering mountains, past waterfalls & valleys, and across the continental divide making this one of the top national park scenic drives.
On the drive you will find several of Glaciers sought after attractions, such as, Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake, Logan Pass as well as many other scenic look out points. The Going to the Sun Road also connects the east and the west sides of the park which make this drive a great way to see all that Glacier has to offer.
#7. VIEW THE NIGHT SKY
For an extra special adventure in Glacier, experience the night sky by joining a Star Party at Logan Pass, Apgar Village, or St. Mary. Throughout the summer NPS Night Sky Program, Big Sky Astronomy Club, and several additional ranger programs are available to explore the incredibly dark skies of Glacier.
We were lucky to experience a small viewing of the Northern Lights at the Apgar Village when we were there in August.
#8. GET ICE CREAM FROM APGAR VILLAGE
For a relaxing day in Glacier, visit the Apgar Village. Grab some Marionberry ice cream from Eddie’s and hang out by the water as you take in the mountain views over Lake McDonald. We hung out on the shoreline with our dogs and they loved it.
#9. RAFT THE FLATHEAD RIVER
For a more thrilling adventure in Glacier National Park, join a local outfitter on a whitewater rafting excursion down the Flathead River. Rafters will paddle through 9 class II and III rapids on a half day or full day trip. This was our first time rafting together and a one of our most favorite memories from our trip to Glacier.
Check out our guide Rafting the Flathead River in Glacier National Park to plan your next trip.
#10. JUMP OFF THE BELTON BRIDGE
Join the locals with a bridge jump into the Flathead River. The Belton Bridge was built in 1920 and was the original entrance to Glacier National Park. It’s since become a local hang out and popular bridge jumping spot.
It’s best to enjoy this spot in the heat of the summer because the water is pretty chilly year round. You can also spot whitewater rafters floating under the bridge from here.
Let us know in the comments what are your favorite things to do in Glacier National Park.
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WE’RE MIKE & DEANDRA.
Two adventure seekers traveling the U.S in our 37 FT. travel trailer with our two companions, Griffin & Lucy. We share our life on the road and travel guides to our favorite destinations.
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Plan the perfect trip to Glacier National Park with this complete travel guide! Featuring everything you need to know before you go, including when to visit, what to bring, top things to do, & much more.